Deputy Headteacher

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Job Title:

Deputy Headteacher

Location:

Castle Garden School, Guildford, Surrey GU1 S3Q

Hours:

40 hours per week | Monday to Friday Salary: £60,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only Start:
November 2026 UK applicants only – no sponsorship available About the Role Lead with Purpose. Inspire Excellence. Help Every Student Achieve More. At Castle Garden School, we're looking for an ambitious, inspirational and dedicated Deputy Headteacher to help shape the future of our school and make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with additional and complex needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced education professional who is ready to take on a senior leadership role where their ideas, expertise and commitment can have a real impact. Working closely with the Headteacher, you'll play a central role in driving curriculum development, raising teaching standards and creating an inclusive learning environment where every student is supported to achieve their potential.

You'll lead and inspire education colleagues, champion personalised learning and work collaboratively with our clinical and wider multidisciplinary teams to ensure students receive the right support to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. What you'll do Work alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to drive school improvement, maintain high standards and shape the school's educational vision. Lead and develop the school curriculum, ensuring high-quality teaching, personalised learning and meaningful opportunities for every student.

Monitor student progress, achievement and individual targets, using assessment information to identify priorities and improve outcomes. Champion positive behaviour support, working closely with the clinical team to develop, implement and review individual Behaviour Support Plans. Lead, motivate and develop education staff through coaching, supervision, performance management and professional development. Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations, ensuring policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

Build effective partnerships with families, carers, external professionals and multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated support for students. Support the Headteacher with operational leadership, staff management, recruitment and resource planning, deputising when required. Who we’re looking for:
We're looking for a confident and compassionate leader who combines excellent teaching practice with the ability to inspire others and drive positive change. You'll bring: A degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Relevant teaching experience supporting students with autism, complex needs and/or behaviours that challenge. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, support and develop colleagues. Experience managing staff and supporting high standards of teaching and learning.

A sound understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding procedures and regulatory requirements. Strong organisational, communication and decision-making skills. The confidence to implement positive change and contribute to whole-school improvement. Good knowledge of people management practices and the ability to manage resources effectively. A collaborative, resilient and solution-focused approach, with high expectations for every student. A driving licence and a commitment to continued professional development.

Experience of Ofsted or Estyn inspections, residential education settings and budget management would be an advantage. Shape the Future of Specialist Education At Castle Garden School, we believe that every…